Can You Really Teach Yourself to Be a Freelance Writer?
Posted February 8, 2011 in Getting Started, Writing
Somebody asked me this question recently: Can you teach yourself to be a freelance writer?
Because I believe in the human potential, my answer is a resounding: “Yes!”
Anybody with enough motivation and commitment can learn to become a freelance writer. Humans have accomplished much harder feats than this.
However, bear in mind we’re talking about two things here: teaching yourself writing, and teaching yourself freelancing.
Let’s look at each one.
Teach Yourself to Write
Are writers born or made?
Writing is a talent. Some people are naturally better at it than others.
That doesn’t mean, however, that those who don’t have the natural ability to write can’t learn to do so.
Anyone can learn how to use the written word to communicate effectively. If you’re not naturally inclined to write, then you may have a much harder time than one who is naturally gifted. It’ll may take you longer two hours churn out a blog post, for example, when a natural writer would take 15 minutes. And you probably won’t enjoy it as much.
But you can learn.
As with any skill, writing can be developed through training and practice.
You can learn by taking classes or reading books. My favorite ones are:
- Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. & E.B. White
- On Writing Well by William Zinsser
Plus, if you’re a writing newbie, you’ll need a basic grammar book.
If you want to grow as a writer, one activity you can’t do without is READING. You have to be an avid reader to get better at writing. Read the classics and bestsellers. Read whatever moves you and stirs your imagination. It’s probably a well-written piece.
Finally, to become a good writer, one must write. Write every single day. Write anything and everything, from letters to articles to personal reflections. Keep a journal. Start a blog. Set aside at least 15 minutes every day to write. Writing regularly helps you find your voice and sharpen your writing skills.
Can you get good enough to actually make a living out of writing? I think so. Businesses nowadays need so many kinds of writing that the freelance writing field is wide open. There’s technical writing, report writing, grant writing, sales writing, case study writing, email writing, direct mail writing, article writing, press release writing…. Not to mention writing for print, radio, TV and the web. In other words, you don’t have to be able to write a novel to become a writer for hire.
Now let’s talk about getting hired.
Teach Yourself Freelancing
What do you need to learn about freelancing? Basically, you need to learn business skills. Once you become a freelancer, you also become an entrepreneur. Many freelancers fail, not because they lack talent or skill, but because they don’t know how to run a business.
The key business skills you’ll need are management of resources (from financial to human resources), marketing and copywriting, and planning and organization. All those things other people used to take care of when you were still in the corporate world? You’re pretty much doing all that now.
That said, you will want to outsource certain parts of your freelancing business as soon as you can. For example, as you get busier, you’ll want somebody else to do your bookkeeping and accounting. And if you’re not techie, you’ll want somebody else to maintain your blog or website.
You can learn these business skills through classes, books and various programs. Freelance Folder, for example, has published “How to Start a Freelance Writing Business.” This ebook will show you the nuts-and-bolts of setting up shop as a freelance writer, from setting your rates to marketing your services, and managing your projects.
Blogs like Freelance Folder are also an excellent source of practical freelancing tips and advice from other freelancers.
For me, it’s best to find a business mentor or coach. If hiring one is not within your means right now, explore group coaching opportunities or local business groups, who may organize free sessions for its members. I’ve also had a lot of success with mastermind groups, where I can post questions or challenges I encounter in my day-to-day life as a freelancer. I get real-life answers from those who’ve had more experience than I have.
Success Is Another Matter
You can teach yourself writing. You can teach yourself freelancing.
Whether you’ll be a successful freelancer, however, is another matter. It may dismay you to learn that talent may have less to do with it than determination, perseverance, and an unshakable believe in yourself.
If you really want to become a freelance writer, you can make it. What will you do today, right now, to get closer to your goal? Let me know in the comments below.
And if you have any questions, post them below. I’ll be happy to answer them to the best of my ability.
Image by lewisr1
Related posts:
- Transitioning From Freelance Writer to Author
- 5 Ways to Instantly Become a Better Writer
- 8 Tips to Help You Teach Yourself the Freelancing Skills You Need to Know
- Are You a Writer, Freelancer, or Entrepreneur?
- How to Start a Freelance Writing Business — On Sale Now!
About the author: Lexi Rodrigo is the creator of The Savvy Freelancer, a blog that's all about achieving creative and financial freedom through freelancing. Check out Lexi's free guide, 31 Days to Start Your Freelancing Business (or Make Yours A Better One).
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37 Comments
Rachel Small
February 8th, 2011 at 9:13 amGreat advice! I also recommend My So-Called Freelance Life by Michelle Goodman to anyone just starting as a freelance writer.
Vivek Parmar
February 8th, 2011 at 9:31 amgreat article, no one will help you to teach freelancing and many of them do not want competitors. Well about me whatever i learned is from my own experience. create mistakes and improve each and every error from me to make me so called geek in WordPress community and a good writer. Still a lot i have to learn especially in development, want to be known as an developer
Lee Cole
February 8th, 2011 at 11:47 amExcellent post. I would have to add sales skills to your list. I know that comes under marketing, but the ability to actually talk with people and sell yourself is critical. Marketing gets you attention. Sales skills close the deal.
Christina
February 8th, 2011 at 12:44 pmSadly most traditional artists don’t feel that just anyone can be a designer freelancer. I am quite the opposite because a computer is just another medium for an artist. I can draw with pencil, pen & ink, watercolor and with that brick we all call a mouse. But I can’t create with oils and acrylics as well. So does that mean I’m not an artist?
Anyways, the other misnomer about freelancing is that you have to be an amazing designer to succeed as a freelancer. This is also not true. You just have to be well-rounded in each area just a little bit. If that amazing designer doesn’t know how to sell themselves, or if they can’t produce something simple that a client likes, they might as well work for a company again.
I love that your article points out these same things in writing. It’s not always about who’s better. It’s about who is consistent.
bethany
February 8th, 2011 at 12:46 pmThanks for this! Comes at just the right time – I was notified by my boss yesterday that I’ll be getting a 5% pay-cut effective immediately and 5 staff members at my organization (including myself) could lose our positions by the end of the week. I have a couple of freelance jobs I’ve been doing in my down time, and I’ve been contemplating going completely freelance for awhile, but this might be a reality sooner than later. Being just 2 years out of college with only one full-time position under my belt, I’m slightly more than nervous. This has given me a little boost in confidence today. This kind of info is what our economy needs right now! Keep it up! :)
Christina
February 8th, 2011 at 1:20 pm@Bethany… That’s exactly how I ended up freelancing full-time too. After 911 the entire art department was cut and I was the AD. Well like a normal person I started getting unemployment and looking for another $45,000 a year salary. After 6 frustrating weeks I decided that my freelance business that I started in 1990 needed to be my full-time job. So I went with it and many years later I’ve now replaced my salary.
It is very scary at first so you just have to remind yourself that you can do it. It doesn’t hurt to remember to believe in yourself as well.
Christina
February 8th, 2011 at 1:22 pmAlso Bethany…that’s my daughter’s name :)
bethany
February 8th, 2011 at 1:29 pmThanks for the encouragement! If I’m even a fraction as successful as you’ve become, then I’d already be in a better place than I’m at right now, working in an office at an organization. They don’t tell you this stuff in college. I’m learning so much more from fellow freelancers! Thanks again.
And, btw, I love my name and my parents for choosing it. :)
Lexi Rodrigo
February 8th, 2011 at 2:53 pmThanks for your inputs, everyone!
@Lee Cole – What you said about having sales ability is very true!
@Christina – Talent can get you far, but it’s definitely not the only thing you need to be successful. So many of the skills we do need to succeed can be developed, so why let our natural abilities limit what we can achieve?
@Bethany – I wish you all the best. Keep reading Freelance Folder for more inspiring and useful advice :-D
Chesley
February 8th, 2011 at 9:18 pmI agree that it is possible to learn writing and freelancing, and subsequently freelance writing. I also agree that you could be very talented, but without determination and perseverance success won’t come. I would add that if you are passionate about being a freelance writer, you stand a better chance at making it work through the tough times better than someone who is just looking for a quick and/or easy way to earn money. Motivation is a crucial factor.
poch
February 8th, 2011 at 11:01 pmWise professional creative writers and craftsmen don’t stop educating themselves for improvement. As for freelance self-teaching, don’t be discouraged because it’s more a school of hard-knocks.
angelee
February 9th, 2011 at 2:04 amWriting is now like a come-back profession, people are hiring writers anywhere to market products, compose blogs, write reviews and all. They say ‘hire a writer’ cos they have a clear mind about anything. I may not be professional writer yet learning knowledge anywhere is one thing I value.
Thanks for the very encouraging piece LEXi.
Jeffrey Gross
February 9th, 2011 at 9:58 amGreat Post Lexi! i was reading yesterday in another blog about the three important aspects of writing PTA (Patience, Talent & Audience). i agree that yes, you can learn to write, but you should have a little talent, otherwise, you wont be able to convey the message you want to!
Nikhil Patil
February 12th, 2011 at 4:45 amHello Lexi,
I read your writing before and all are quite inspiring. But most of the time it is hard to find out schedule for writing. I am always pre-occupied with my unwanted work stuffs. I am looking for some suggestions. One month ago I have visited this blog “atalewithoutatail.blogspot.com”, quite interesting but I did not grasp the inner meaning of it.
Dave
April 10th, 2011 at 12:28 pmOwning a site and writing on your own site can help you to earn money. If not, you can make a lot of money as a freelancer. Read the article at http://www.everydayhomeincome.com/earn-money-writing-for-freelancer to learn more about making money as a freelancer.
Deena
April 10th, 2011 at 12:30 pmEarning money from home is the dream of every individual. If you have always dreamt about making money from home or earning on the internet and have never been able to decide on what to do, do not worry. For me, writing and posting comments have been money spinners. There are many other genuine methods of making money online. All you have to do is to check out some of these methods from http://www.everydayhomeincome.com/ and decide on the method that would suit you best!
Thank you
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